Mia, Myself and I

Evening Bags and Belts for the Skirts of the Spring Season

Every spring, we open the windows, take a deep breath, and breathe in all of the signs of life as we welcome the freshness of a new season. In turn, we also welcome new styles to the fashion industry, as inevitably trends have changed since last year. You can bet your Jimmy Choos that the length, material, line and cut of the traditional skirt have all undergone subtle or dramatic changes since 2008. Just how subtle or dramatic will depend mostly on the type of skirt and occasion. With these changes comes the obvious need for alterations in accessories, including bags, belts and shoes.

This season, the infamous skirt has taken a different approach donning a longer length. The only exception is the classic mini which, as always, is popular this season. For the most part, however, a skirt that lies just below the knee is actually quite trendy this year for the first time in a few years. Last time we saw this length at its most popular, it was perfectly paired with a form of the cowboy boot that came up to the mid shin, giving you a western, casual feel. Not so with this year’s styles, as these skirts tend to be showing up more with heels and traditional pumps. Also showing great popularity with these skirts this season is the narrow leather belt with delicate hardware, and the smaller clutch handbag. The handbags most often being worn with these skirts are square, small, and elegant.

Jason Wu is a fabulous designer that is doing a lot with the longer skirt length this season. His designs can be seen on runway shows in 2009. He is one of many designers who can incorporate this difficult length into his collection. He is applauded for attempting and succeeding in using this style, instead of making it easy on himself with a classic mini, short, or long skirt. The knee-length skirt is much more difficult to pair with tops, shoes, and outerwear. However, Jason Wu seems to pull it off effortlessly. He prefers to pair the skirts, be they pencil-slim or boxy, with strappy, sexy heels. Some of the heels or shoes he uses are thick and chunky as well as strappy while others are slim and sleek, but also contain the strappy motif.

If you are not into the longer length skirt, you are still sure to find one that you will love wearing this season. The mini has never really died; it morphs into a different skirt each year and this year is no exception. However, for spring 2009, the micro mini is not considered a favorite. In keeping with the ‘longer is better’ theme that seems to pervade the fashion world, the fuller mini is more popular. Most women will breathe a sigh of relief that the clingy, bottom-hugging minis can stay in the closet collecting dust.

It seems to go without saying that due to the fullness of the newly popular skirt design, even with its short length, people are opting to wear a rather tight-fitting top to complement the skirt. Many of the minis come pleated or billowy with tiers, and they are available in the most casual denim, cotton, or silk. Since you do not want to jump back in time to 1985, make sure you leave the closed-toe pumps as well as the open-toe sling-backs, in the closet for this outfit. What works best here one of the hottest shoes of the season, the ankle bootie.

Deep and vibrant colors are all the rage for spring, no matter which color we are talking about. Make sure you pair your mini with a casual, flirty handbag instead of the more serious purse one would wear with the newly-elongated skirt of the season.

A surprisingly cute look for the spring season is the sporty little dress, similar to the old-fashioned tennis dress. You will want to make sure to accessorize this outfit appropriately so that you do not look like you are on your way to play a match! Try not to pair this outfit with sneakers or those adorable little tennis shoes that you love so much. Instead, opt for a sophisticated pair of flat shoes that will work nicely with this sporty frock. As for other accessories, this dress or skirt really does not require much. You can often go without a handbag for this look, unless it is a sporty hobo type or other very casual, over-the shoulder bag.

The soft short is another popular design making a comeback for spring. It can be worn either like a mini or a sporty little dress. While it is tough to dress up shorts enough for a truly elegant evening affair, you can be pretty creative with the right pair of shorts, and wear them almost as if they were a skirt. Some of the shorts to hit the scene this season are so dressy that they look similar to shorter versions of dress pants. The ruffled short or softly-pleated silkier fabrics can be worn with a suit-type jacket for an early dinner date. Wear the same type of shorts with a fitted, sexy blouse and some great shoes and be the best dressed at that great summer party. The best shoes to wear along with these shorts are open toe heels and sandals, depending on the nature of the event and what you are wearing for a top. Finish this look with a boxy, small, elegant handbag that can also be worn with longer skirt.

There is no limit to the number and type of looks you can create this spring with these differing and wonderful skirt-length and shorts designs. Have fun with your choices and your shopping, and have a happy spring!

About the Author

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics including celebrities and fashion, often discussing specific products such as evening bags.

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